Expeditions & Gathering

Expeditions in Monster Hunter: World are your free-roaming opportunities to explore the vast ecosystems of the New World without the time constraints or specific objectives of a traditional quest. They are invaluable for gathering resources, discovering new areas, tracking down rare endemic life, and even practicing combat against monsters without the pressure of failure. This section will guide you through maximizing your expedition efficiency and gathering prowess.

Understanding Expeditions

Unlike assigned or optional quests, expeditions have no time limit and no specific target monster you must hunt. You can depart on an expedition to any unlocked locale directly from Astera's World Map or by selecting "Depart on Expedition" from a camp within a locale. Monsters will randomly spawn and despawn, and resource nodes will refresh over time, making it ideal for extended gathering sessions.

Preparing for a Successful Expedition

Before you even step foot into the Ancient Forest or Wildspire Waste, proper preparation is key to a productive expedition.

Item Pouch Management: Always ensure you have ample space in your item pouch. You'll be collecting a lot! Consider leaving non-essential combat items behind if your primary goal is gathering.
Gathering Tools:
- Pickaxes: Essential for mining Ore. Carry at least a few Mega Pickaxes (crafted from Iron Ore and Bone) or Ancient Pickaxes (from Dragonite Ore and Monster Bone M) as they have more durability than basic ones.
- Bug Nets: Crucial for catching insects. Mega Bug Nets (crafted from Iron Ore and Monster Fluid) are recommended for their increased durability.
Consumables:
- Potions/Mega Potions: Even on a gathering expedition, unexpected monster encounters can happen. Always carry a few for emergencies.
- Cool Drinks/Hot Drinks: Depending on the locale (e.g., Wildspire Waste's desert areas or Hoarfrost Reach's icy zones), these are vital for mitigating environmental damage.
- Ration/Well-Done Steak: To maintain your stamina.
- Farcaster: An absolute must-have. This item allows you to instantly return to any camp in the current locale, or to Astera if used from a camp tent. Perfect for dropping off a full inventory or escaping a dangerous situation.
Palico Gadgets: Your Palico's gadget choice can significantly aid gathering.
- Vigorwasp Spray: Provides emergency healing.
- Plunderblade: If you plan to engage monsters, this gadget can carve extra materials.
- Trufflesnout: (Introduced in Iceborne) Helps your Palico find rare mushrooms and other gathering points.

Targeted Gathering Strategies by Locale

Ancient Forest

The Ancient Forest is rich in flora, insects, and some early-game ores.

Key Resources:
- Herbs: Found abundantly in Areas 1, 2, and 6. Essential for crafting Potions.
- Mushrooms: Look for Blue Mushrooms (Area 1, 2, 6) for Potions, and Nitroshrooms/Parashrooms (Area 6, 11) for elemental ammo/coatings.
- Ore: Iron Ore and Earth Crystal are common. Check mining outcrops in Area 2 (near the waterfall), Area 4 (upper levels), and Area 11 (near the Rathalos nest).
- Insects: Godbugs (Area 1, 6, 11) for Mega Potions and Flashbugs (Area 1, 2, 6) for Flash Pods.
Walkthrough Steps:
1. Start at the Southwest Camp (1).
2. Head North through Area 1, gathering Herbs and Godbugs.
3. Proceed to Area 2, checking the mining outcrop by the waterfall for Iron Ore.
4. Climb to Area 4, exploring the upper levels for more mining outcrops and Honey (from beehives).
5. Descend to Area 6, a prime spot for various mushrooms and Flashbugs.
6. If you need higher-tier ore, make your way to Area 11, where you can find Earth Crystal and potentially Dragonite Ore in High Rank.
7. Utilize the various camps (Ancient Forest Camp (8), Northeast Camp (11)) to fast travel and deposit items.

Wildspire Waste

A desert and swamp environment, offering unique minerals and flora.

Key Resources:
- Ore: Machalite Ore and Dragonite Ore are prevalent. Look for mining nodes in Area 5 (underground cave), Area 6 (swampy areas), Area 8 (rocky outcrops), and Area 13 (near the Diablos lair).
- Bone Piles: Monster Bone S, Monster Bone M, and Monster Bone L can be found. Check bone piles in Area 4, Area 6, and Area 8.
- Plants: Cactus Flowers (Area 1, 4, 10) for Mega Potions and Paracata (Area 6, 9) for Paralysis Knives.
Walkthrough Steps:
1. Depart from the Southwest Camp (1). Immediately head into Area 1 to gather Cactus Flowers.
2. Proceed to Area 4, checking for bone piles and more Cactus Flowers.
3. Venture into the underground cave system of Area 5 for multiple mining outcrops containing Machalite Ore and Dragonite Ore.
4. Explore the swampy regions of Area 6 and 9 for Paracata and additional bone piles.
5. Utilize the Central Camp (6) for quick resupplies and item deposits.
6. For High Rank materials, specifically Dragonite Ore and Monster Bone L, focus on Area 8 and the treacherous Area 13. Remember to bring Cool Drinks for the desert heat!

Advanced Expedition Tips

Environmental Traps: Utilize environmental features like vine traps, falling rocks, or even other monsters to your advantage if you decide to engage a large monster.
Endemic Life: Keep an eye out for rare endemic life like the Bristly Crake or Petricanths. These can be found in specific locations and times and are valuable for achievements and room decorations.
Investigation Farming: While not strictly an expedition, remember that Investigations often offer increased rewards for specific monster parts or gathering nodes. If you need a particular material, check your Investigations first.
Melding Pot: Once you unlock the Elder Melder in Astera, you can convert unwanted materials into more useful ones. Expeditions are a great way to accumulate surplus items for melding.
Botanical Research Center: cultivate essential items at the Botanical Research Center in Astera. This passive gathering method complements your active expeditions perfectly. Ensure your cultivation slots are always active.